Schools

Neohumanist
Education is practiced in a network of schools and
institutes that span over fifty countries with more
than 1000 kindergartens, primary schools, secondary
schools, colleges and children’s homes that
have been established over the past 30 years. Some
of these schools have been recognized for their excellence
by the local governmental education authorities and
have been given funding.

Others of these schools are in deprived environments
where the teacher, parents and children struggle to
find the simplest of equipment. From the perspective
of the West many of the third world schools will look
very poor indeed, yet they have significant support
from their communities and provide sound elementary
education where none was to be found before.

The schools are managed by dedicated staff and volunteers
who work tirelessly and voluntarily to bring joy and
learning into the lives of the young.

Role of the School in the Community
In many parts of the world, the role of the NHE school
goes beyond the classroom and extends to the community
as a whole by reaching out in service to nurture all
members of the family. By building positive relationships
with families they work to provide the support that
families often need to improve the lives, not just
of the children, but of all members irrespective of
gender or age. The school plays an extended role in
the community in helping to meet children's basic
needs such as food, clothing, shelter, education and
health care. It also serves as a centre of community
activities and services for adults to help create
better lives.

By offering after-school child care for instance
women are helped to work outside the home. Such a
facility gives women and men the peace of mind they
need to help improve the families' finances. The school
offers adult literacy programs and assists with job
training and the development of cottage industries.

Pre and post-natal education and care is also be
offered through some schools. Better access to health
care both for the mother and child can act as buffer
for many negative influences like prenatal complications
such as low birth weight and premature births, and exposure
to parental substance addiction and environmental
toxins such as lead exposure. The school sometimes
offers other health support with a naturopath, homeopath
and counseling services. It can also offer meditation
and yoga classes for stress relief and spiritual development.